Although T.W.'s injury is at a level where independent respiratory function is expected, he experiences low

Question

oxygen saturation levels and is placed on a mechanical ventilator. The physician states that this is because
of spinal shock.

How would you explain spinal shock to T.W.'s family and why T.W. requires mechanical
ventilation at this time?

Answer 1

With most spinal cord injuries, there is an initial period of flaccid paralysis with a complete loss of
motor, sensory, and reflex functions below the level of injury. This areflexic period, as spinal shock
might be described, is temporary, occurring shortly after the injury and lasting days to weeks. The
loss of systemic sympathetic vasomotor tone might result in vasodilation, increased venous capacity,
and hypotension. During this time, the patient might need temporary respiratory support. The
return of sacral reflexes indicates resolution.